Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Nashville Running: Long Hunter State Park

Just outside of Nashville is a wonderful little place called Long Hunter State Park. Along with places to grill, gather, play volleyball, and rent kayaks, is a running trail. I'm coming off of two weeks of being sick (I'm talking apocalyptic - like Ebola meets the Bubonic Plauge) and a foot injury (when it rains, it pours). This felt like the right place to reconnect with the running world.

Tennessee Pride!

The trail circles a lake (don't get too excited, it's not a very large lake) - a little over two miles around.

There are all kind of people here every time I go - walking, running, enjoying the scenery. There are no pets or bikes allowed, so that does make it a little safer for runners as well.

Nearly the entire path is shaded (at least until all the leaves fall of the trees - we are having a seriously extended summer here in Nashville). It was also a really windy day and all of those trees helped block a lot of it, but I was still able to benefit from the breeze.

There is also a lot to look at (besides people) on this path including wildlife and some educational signage about the plants and animals you can find here. You can get your run in with a side of education!

This is one of my favorite parts - there's this great bridge where you have water on both sides and can see everyone out on the water. If you're doing a long run here, it requires multiple loops, but generally I don't mind because it's just lovely. So if you're around Nashville and looking for a little escape, give Long Hunter a try!Do you mind running "short" loops?What are your "must haves" for a run location?
I'm linking up with some of my fav bloggers today for Tuesdays on the Run! Check out Marcia, Patty, and Erika!

Seems like consensus that people generally find loops comforting! I have to say I like them as well, especially if I'm not feeling confident (not feeling well, recovering from injury) because I don't feel like I'm ever far if I absolutely need to bail.

The retention pond/park in the town where I live has a 2 mile running path as well. I don't mind running the loops--it can get really crowded in the summer tho, so I tend not to do that then. In the winter, I have the path to myself!

You know you're not a fair whether runner when you run the summer routes in the winter! Luckily for me, this one doesn't seem to get super crowded - parking can get tough, but that's usually because of parties.

I usually prefer to run one big loop or an out and back route. If I do shorter loops on a long run, I am constantly dwelling on the fact that I have X more laps to go. My boyfriend is the opposite. Last weekend he ran 17 miles in 1.7 mile loops around a park. 10 laps is too many! Needless to say, we don't run long runs together that often!

That park does look really pretty though! Wish we were having an extended summer. It is getting cold here and I don't like it!

Isn't it crazy how different minds can work? Makes you realize just how mental this sport can be! This "Fall" has been so weird - the trees aren't even really changing color, the leaves are just falling off the trees. High 80s again this weekend! Maybe this means we will have a mild winter? A girl can hope :)

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About Me

I'm not an elite runner, just a girl trying to fit my love of running around normal life. I have made every mistake possible and learned a lot over the years, but now I am finding the most joy in helping others.